Cancer survivor racking up miles to help local hospitals

By KARA O'CONNORTimes Staff Writer

Published 3:01 pm, Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Image 1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

Aimee Elsner is going to participate in the CT Challenge bike ride on July 28 to benefit local programs for cancer patients. Elsner was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2009, and has endured four surgeries, as well as chemotherapy and radiation. Since her last surgery in 2010, she has completed four triathlons.

Aimee Elsner is going to participate in the CT Challenge bike ride on July 28 to benefit local programs for cancer patients. Elsner was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2009, and has endured four

STAMFORD -- Since she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2009, Stamford resident Aimee Elsner has made it her mission to ensure she, her family and friends are living as healthy as possible.

On Saturday, July 28, Elsner will be riding with team members in the 2012 CT Challenge charity bike ride in Westport. The ride, which raises money for hospitals around the state to create special programs for cancer survivors, will be Elsner's first.

"I think this bike ride is great," said Elsner, who will be taking part in the 100-mile ride. "The Connecticut Challenge does so much for cancer survivors, and it's a great way to get in shape."

Elsner, who has been in remission since 2010, said she first heard about the Challenge when she was taking yoga as part of her rehabilitation at Stamford Hospital's Bennett Cancer Center.

"My yoga instructor asked a few of the people in her class, including myself, to make a video for the challenge," said Elsner. "And once I learned what the challenge actually was, I thought it was something that I should try."

Although Elsner has completed four triathlons, she said the CT Challenge has been the hardest race she has trained for.

"I think mentally this has been challenging," said Elsner. "A hundred miles is just a lot to think about."

Since last year, Elsner has been training with her husband, who is also competing in the challenge, three times a week.

"It's been tough, but worth it," said Elsner. "I have never biked for 100 miles. I did a 60-mile bike ride the other day, and that was hard. But I know that I will get through it, especially because my teammates are great at pushing me and each other."

Elsner and her team have raised a total of $5,000 for the Challenge.

"As a team, we thought that $5,000 was a good goal," said Elsner. "Maybe next year we will shoot for something higher."

Since she has been training for the Challenge, Elsner said her family and friends have also been taking steps to become healthier.

"My family and I have completely changed our diet, and so have some of my friends," said Elsner. "I think when one person takes that first step to become healthy, it's addicting. And if I can motivate people to become healthier and happier, that is great -- and completely worth a 100-mile bike ride."